Two Democratic judges arrested in separate states for aiding illegal immigrants

Two Democratic judges in Wisconsin and New Mexico were arrested this week for aiding illegal immigrants and interfering with federal immigration enforcement.

In Wisconsin, Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan was taken into custody Friday by the FBI after reportedly helping an illegal immigrant evade arrest at a courthouse last week.

According to an FBI affidavit, Dugan directed the defendant and his attorney through a restricted jury door, helping illegal immigrant Eduardo Flores-Ruiz evade federal agents.

Flores-Ruiz was later apprehended after a foot chase. 

FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the arrest, stating: “We believe Judge Dugan intentionally misdirected federal agents away from the subject to be arrested in her courthouse, Eduardo Flores Ruiz, allowing the subject — an illegal alien — to evade arrest.” 

“Thankfully, our agents chased down the perp on foot and he’s been in custody since, but the Judge’s obstruction created increased danger to the public,” Patel added.

Dugan was released after a brief court appearance and is expected to appear again on May 15. 

“Judge Dugan wholeheartedly regrets and protests her arrest. It was not made in the interest of public safety,” Dugan’s attorney said during the Friday hearing. 

Meanwhile, in New Mexico, recently retired Judge Jose “Joel” Cano and his wife, Nancy Cano, were arrested late Thursday after harboring a suspected gang member of Tren de Aragua. 

Authorities say Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, an illegal immigrant, had been living in the couple’s guesthouse while working as a handyman. 

A February raid at the Cano residence led to Ortega-Lopez’s arrest, while a separate search of their daughter’s home uncovered firearms, some allegedly linked to him.

The Canos face federal charges of tampering with evidence and conspiracy, while Ortega-Lopez is charged with firearm possession as an illegal alien.

Cano resigned quietly shortly after Ortega-Lopez’s arrest. 

Following Dugan’s Wisconsin arrest, Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-Wisc., accused activist judges of undermining immigration enforcement and the will of American voters. 

“It is abundantly clear that many activist judges around the country have been acting politically in order to sabotage President Trump’s agenda, and disenfranchise the 77 million Americans that voted for him,” he told Axios.

“Judges are not supposed to write the law, and they certainly are not above it.”